Economic Growth and Trade

USAID is restoring about 85 miles of roads between two key cities in the northwest portion of the Central African Republic.  This will employ community members in the construction of the roads, and after completion it will allow people in that area to travel to markets.

We also support the East and Central Africa Trade Hub, which is a regional program to increase food security and encourage economic growth in East and Central Africa. Activities include reducing barriers to trade and increasing efficiency and competitiveness. We work through trade associations and economic communities to integrate regional trade policies, making cross-border trade easier and helping African products become globally competitive.

Environment

Through the Central African Regional Program on the Environment (CARPE) USAID works to conserve the tropical forest in the Central African Republic along with five other countries in the region. Our efforts help make national policies on resource management and forest governance stronger. We also encourage countries to work together to manage their shared resources. To support that cooperation, we provide decision-makers with important information gathered with the help of advanced monitoring technologies. In addition, we provide the Government of the Central Africa Republic with support for the following activities:

• Enforcing logging regulations;
• Reforming natural resource policy;
• Engaging communities in resource management; and
• Sharing the benefits of forest resources.

Working in Crises and Conflict

In 2012, poor harvests and conflict in the northeast led to food shortages, high food prices, and growing levels of malnutrition. Some people fell ill with measles. In response, USAID coordinated and funded the delivery of medical services, including measles vaccinations and treatment of malnutrition.

Of even greater concern is the ongoing complex emergency involving tens of thousands of people who have been displaced within the Central African Republic due to the activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army in the southeast part of the country. This situation began in early 2010 and continues to require emergency assistance. USAID is responding in the following ways:

• Providing emergency relief supplies;
• Meeting emergency needs such as health, nutrition, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene;
• Supplying food aid; and
• Coordinating humanitarian efforts and sharing information.

Learn More

USAID in the Central Africa Republic